7 Signs That You May Be a High Functioning Alcoholic.

A high functioning alcoholic may be defined as a person who is dependent upon alcohol yet is still able to function in society. Rarely will alcohol cause them to miss any obligations. They’re able to manage areas in their life such as work, friendships, and home while keeping up their drinking habit.

Just because they’re able to manage life doesn’t mean they aren’t falling apart on the inside. They’re struggling with cravings and probably obsessing over when they will get their next drink. This didn’t happen overnight and some are probably not even aware it has gotten this bad. They’ve become dependant on alcohol without even knowing it.

potential red flags

I ignored all the red flags before getting sober, but thats usually how it goes with addiction, right? I was aware of how deep addiction ran through my family tree yet I thought I could be the exception. There were many times that I drank for longer than I had intended, many times plans were scheduled solely around drinking, and even hid my alcohol consumption from others at times. The signs were all there yet I didn’t see them. People would say, “this is what you do when you’re single and in your 20’s/early 30’s” or “it comes with the territory of working in the restaurant industry”. These kinds of drinking habits were normal in my world.

I had a very high tolerance with alcohol and I was proud that I could keep up with the guys. Being known in the industry made it very easy and inexpensive to drink any day of the week. My finances weren’t affected by my habits because other venues and regulars took care of it for me. I’d never turn down an offer to go out for drinks if I was available. These are all signs that I should’ve been aware of much earlier on but it had become my routine.

Eventually I came face to face with my addiction and admitting there was a problem was the first step. I didn’t realize just how toxic my relationship with alcohol really was until I forced myself to give it up. Then I realized just how much it had taken over my life. Never again will I let this happen.

Life starts now…